How to Make a Brand New Table Look Weathered

Let it dry overnight, then attacked it with 60 grit sandpaper. Roughed up several "worn" spots. I wanted it to look like there were places where maybe it was rubbed over time. Also, it helps in my house to have everything already "lived in" so if it gets battered by the kiddos, it's no big deal.

Strategically sanded the leg edges, leaving the sander on random spots a bit longer to wear through the paint.

Then I grabbed the darkest stain I had, which happened to be Walnut.

I brushed the stain onto the table, working at a section at a time. It really doesn't matter if you streak or cover the entire area, when you use a cloth (old socks work great since I always have extras) to remove the excess. You can leave it heavy for more of a glazing or you can remove as much as possible to just have a little color on the paint.

I brushed the stain on my surface working one side at a time. Then, once I had the stain on the table I wiped it off. I rubbed heavy in random spots and left it glazed in others, especially the inside corners.

See how the wood looks on the rubbed spots with the stain added? It looks like it took years to get this. If you choose to have it more worn for a more weathered look, you can customize this finish for your taste.

I probably posted too many pictures, but I wanted to show all the cool little spots that turned out nice.

29 comments:

LUV LUV LUV this, Karen! Thank you for such a wonderful tutorial on painting and staining. I'm always a little wary of staining over my painting project - but now you have banished that fear and I will step forward ..... and stain! lol!

Great tutorial. One day I'm going to be brave enough to try this! If you have a moment, I would love for you to share this project on my Inspiration Board. http://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/2011/07/inspiration-board-link-party_19.htmlThanks for the inspiration.carolyn | homework